The Inside Track April 2016

Volume 10. Issue 4 . April 2016 Rs. 25/-

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INSIDE TRACK CONNECTING THE DESIGN COMMUNITY Now view our web edition at www.theinsidetrack.in

Cover Story

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purred on by environmentally conscious clients, architects and designers have started looking at sustainable alternatives to traditional materials. Due to their tactile nature, surfaces are the most obvious concern for most clients who wish to reduce their impact on the planet and better their health.

Here are some sustainable products that you can use for your surface needs: Canadian Wood Western Red Cedar solid wood lumber from British Columbia, Canada is an eco-friendly deckbuilding material. It lies flat and straight, so it’s easy to fit in place.

Plus, this sturdy and structurally solid wood is surprisingly light, so it’s easy to lug around a site.

All woods from British Columbia are procured from sustainable forests which are certified by either PEFC/ FSC. In fact, Western Red Cedar boasts a net carbon sink, meaning certified wood removes greenhouse gases from the atmosphere - whereas other building materials emit greenhouse gases.

Western Red Cedar is naturally resistant to rot, decay and insect attacks. This makes it incredibly low maintenance whereas other composite materials require more upkeep since they don’t have any

Sustainable Surfaces

Sustainability is the need of the hour in today’s environment conscious market.

Keeping up with this need, here’s a look at some eco-friendly surface products. BY ALYSSA LOBO Columbian Wood creates a positive carbon footprint due to the log’s ability to absorb carbon-dioxide from the atmosphere

natural defences against things like mildew.

In the case of panelling, Western Hemlock (interiors) or Western Red Cedar (exteriors) are excellent

DecorCoat is a substitute of wallpapers made up of cotton cellulose, paper products, cotton thread and other recycled materials

choices. The lumber from these trees takes to stains, oils and finishes exceptionally well. Hence panelling colour, texture and style options are numerous. You can go for the warm traditional feel of layered bevel or you can streamline your home’s look with some super sleek, tongue & groove siding or you can get creative with your own board & batten pattern.

Contact web: www.canadianwood.in email: info@bcfii.in DecorCoat Wallpaper ‘DecorCoat’ is a viable alternative to paints and wallpapers for home renovation from Delhi-based company Kloud9. Normal wallpapers have VOC i.e. Volatile Organic Compounds. These are chemicals that we smell when wallpapers are applied; it adds to the indoor air pollution and directly affects our health. Organic wall decor on the

other hand is low on VOC. These are made up of grass cloth and cotton fiber that do not have a negative impact on the environment.

DecorCoat is a substitute of wallpapers made up of cotton cellulose, paper products, cotton thread and other recycled materials.

DecorCoat is a three-dimensional textured decorative material for interior walls and forms a protective layer as a base that is completely odourless. It is an integration of technology, aesthetics and natural properties product. These wallpapers are anti-mould and anti-fungal and therefore can easily stand the unpredictable monsoon months.

With a touch of varnish, these wallpapers retain the polished finish and glaze for years.

Contact Kloud9 Tel: +91 95822 38346. continued on page 2

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

THE

INSIDE TRACK

CONTENTS PlybooStrand uses strand technology to turn 100% rapidly renewable bamboo into a durable green building material

continued from page 1 PlybooStrand Bamboo Plywood and Veneer PlybooStrand uses strand technology to turn 100% rapidly renewable bamboo into a beautiful yet exceptionally durable green building material.

PlybooStrand is architecturalgrade and can be cut and sanded using conventional woodworking equipment. It can be glued and fastened with the same materials used on wood.

Plyboo is bamboo architectural plywood and flooring manufactured

by Smith & Fong Company. It can be used in a variety of applications, including interior wall cladding, counter tops, flooring, retail displays,etc.

Plyboo is available in India through its distributor, ASA Global Enterprises.

Contact web: www.plyboo.com email:ajai.ananth@plyboo.com WallArt 3D Wall Panels WallArt, a company headquartered in the Netherlands has introduced continued on page 3

April 2016

COVER Sustainable Surfaces 1 STORY Wonderful Walls 4 Leaving Them Floored 6 Sound Judgement 8 Great Outdoor Floors 10 Ideally Aesthetical Designs 11 Walls In Vogue 12 Partnership Matters 13 Reclaiming The World Of Furniture 14 An India Design Mark for Kich 15 A Fine Balance 16 Cera Leads ISVEA Into India 18 Franke Invests In Duravit 19 Exhibitions and Fairs 20 The Latest On Recent Launches And Products 21 A Quirky Nail Guard 24

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Published at B 62, 1st Floor, Cotton Exchange Building, Cotton Green Road, Mumbai 400 033 Tel (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Editor Mr. Anish R. Bajaj THE INSIDE TRACK Volume 10. Issue 4. April 2016. English - Monthly. This issue contains 24 pages including both covers.

Creative Director Natalie Pedder-Bajaj Assistant Editor Shweta Salvi, Senior Sub-Editor Alyssa Lobo Sub-Editors Tasneem S. Pocketwala, Rehana Hussain Layout Design Asif Shayannawar, Darshan Palav, Priyanka A. Dhumal, Snigdha Hodarkar Marketing: Mumbai Rakesh Kini (Head-Marketing), Ganesh Gurav, Vivek Jadhav. B 62, Cotton Exchange Bldg, Cotton Green, Mumbai 400 033 Tel: (022) 23736133/1, 23743069 Email:response@marvelinfomedia.com Delhi Ms. Sumita Prakash, Flat F 304, Rajasthan C.G.H.S. Ltd, Plot No. 36, Sector 4, Dwarka, New Delhi Tel: 9899179540 Email: sumitabiswas63@ gmail.com Chennai Mr. S. Venkataraaman, Flat No. 2, 3rd Flr, E Block, Hansa Garden, 30 Madampakkam Main Rd, Rajakilpakkam, Chennai 600 073 Tel: (044) 22281128 Mob: 9444021128 Email: svenkat@marvelinfomedia.com Kolkata Mr. Subrata Mazumder, 2, Nabapalli (Bidhanpalli). Kolkata 700084 Tel: (033) 2410 4296 Mob: 9831131395 Email: subrata22@rediffmail.com Europe 282, Rue du Noyer, bt 16, 1030 Bruxelles, Belgium.

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

WallArt’s 3D eco-friendly wall panels are made from the fibrous remains of sugarcane, also called bagasse

continued from page 2 their 3D eco-friendly wall panels in the Indian market. The panels can be ordered online in India from Pepperfry.com.

WallArt’s 3D eco-friendly wall panels are made from the fibrous remains of sugarcane also called bagasse. This material, as a residue of sugarcane, is one of the world’s most renewable sources because sugarcane can be harvested up to three times a year. This raw material, which is a plant fibre, is used for 3D Wall Panels and is 100% recycled, compostable and therefore 100% biodegradable.

There are more than 20 different models of the WallArt 3D Wall Panels available to create an atmospheric interior.

WallArt has found a way to use this material to make stylish wall panels that are 50 cm x 50 cm. When placed together, the panels create a repeating pattern that gives your flat wall new dimensions.

It is possible to create a personal touch and atmosphere very easily because of the various beautiful designs that are available and the fact that the tiles can be painted.

Contact web: www.mywallart.com email: chelsea@mywallart.com

Fab Flooring Recycled Rubber Floor Tiles Rubber is a sturdy material which keeps industrial and commercial floors clean and safe. Fab Flooring India has introduced its recycled rubber floors and tiles to this sector of the market. Strong and resilient, if properly cared for these floors can last for a good twenty years.

Rubber has a variety of inherent advantages that have made it an extremely popular flooring choice for commercial, high traffic environments. Now with a wide selection of colors, patterns, and textures available, this material is also finding its way into residential interior and exterior applications.

These floorings ensure high walking comfort and are highly durable. These tiles are highly suitable for indoor and outdoor play areas as well as gyms. However one must avoid detergents and harsh cleaning agents when caring for a rubber floor as they can discolor the surface of the material.

Contact web:www.fabflooringsindia.com email: info@fabflooringsindia.net Richlite Paper Composite Panel Richlite is a paper-based fibre composite material manufactured

Fab Flooring India’s recycled rubber floors and tiles are ideal for outdoor, play and gym areas

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Richlite Paper Composite Panel uses a sustainable manufacturing process coupled with a reuse of discarded raw materials for fibre

by Richlite Company. Fibres can come from a variety of sources; virgin wood fibres, post-consumer waste, recycled blue jeans, coffee chaff, burlap bags, banana peels, etc. Colour is added during the paper making process instead of the paper saturating process to ensure consistent and solid colour throughout.

The exclusive WE™ design of Richlite’s saturation equipment captures energy from the manufacturing process and recycles it back into the heating system as energy. The vertical dryer further improves Richlite’s carbon footprint by reducing fuel consumption by 83%. Traditional RTO horizontal saturating lines emit four to five times the amount of CO2 as Richlite’s WE system.

Through a sustainable manufacturing process, coupled with a reuse of discarded raw materials for fibre, Richlite creates an eco-friendly surface material.

Contact web: www.richlite.com email: info@richlite.com Metem Plastics Panels Metem Plastics offers a line of postconsumer recycled high density polyethylene panels (HDPE) in a

variety of colors. Made with 100% plastic that has been discarded and recovered from the waste stream, Metem panels boast eight recycled milk jugs per pound.

Post-consumer HDPE is a material or finished product that has served its single use and been diverted or recovered from waste destined for a landfill.

Metem plastic can be used in an array of applications where high durability and no maintenance are desired in both wet and dry applications, indoor or outdoor. Metem recycled plastic comes in 4 x 8 panels and is nearly 100% second generation recycled material that has the appearance and characteristics of virgin material.

Metem is stocked in three thicknesses, 1/2”, 5/8” and 1”. All colors are available in these gauges.

Metem is especially suitable for bathroom applications. The panel material is comprised of a UV resistant pigment that is solid throughout the sheet allowing for less noticeable nicks or scratches, full colour cut ends, and maintenance free use.

Contact web:www.metemplastics.com email: sales@metemplastics.com

Metem Plastics Panels is made with 100% plastic that has been discarded and recovered from the waste stream

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

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or most people the question of wall decoration generally boils down to one question: wall paper or paint? But for those willing to put in a bit more effort

Wonderful Walls The multitude of options in wooden wall panelling shows us how versatile the material can be. BY ALYSSA LOBO it can be used to make a historical setting feel more contemporary.

Shiplap is extremely versatile so it can be used in a number of different ways, depending on the needs of the space. To unify the space, you can use shiplap on all four walls, as well as across the doors and kitchen cabinets, or take it further by using it on the ceilings.

It can even be used to accentuate a single architectural feature, such as panelling only a high ceiling.

Board and Batten Board and batten originated as a form of house siding. The term

“batten” refers to the strip of molding placed across the joint between boards. The resulting look boasts an attractive geometry: strong vertical lines balanced by a sense of texture across the horizontal.

There are two types of board and batten. There is the genuine kind, featuring real wood panels on top of which the board and batten framework is formed with solid wood battens (strips) and boards (planks). There is also the imitation-style board and batten, which is created atop plyboard or even drywall rather than real wood panels.

Shiplap makes the most sense in cottage-inspired homes in need of the texture and the warmth of a natural material

and research, wood offers an elegant, charming option. Wood is perfect for creating a warm, welcoming look in spaces such as a personal study or a family room. There are many types of wooden panelling that one can draw on to create beautiful walls for your home; The Inside Track looks at a few options: Shiplap Panelling Shiplap, which is usually laid horizontally, acquired its name as its panels overlap, with grooved boards called “rabbets” fitting together tightly to form a weather-proof

seal. Shiplap is a natural material, well textured, and thus allows you to create a seamless line throughout a space. It is inherently informal and tends to make the most sense in cottage-inspired homes in need of the texture and the warmth of a natural material. It first came into popularity on home exteriors.

However shiplap can be a bit expensive as it needs to be installed by hand, by a skilled craftsman.

Because it is hand-crafted, it can add warmth to an austere modern setting.

Or conversely, because it has a very clean line (particularly when painted)

Board and batten boasts an attractive geometry: strong vertical lines balanced by a sense of texture across the horizontal

Both are good for dressing up a space. This look is most common in bathrooms and dining rooms.

Tongue and groove panelling connects where the “tongue” of one board fits into the “groove” of another

Tongue and Groove Tongue and groove is very similar to shiplap and offers the same clean, classic look. The difference is in the way the boards connect; while shiplap panels are joined with a rabbet joint at the top and bottom of each board, tongue and groove panelling connects where the “tongue” of one board fits into the “groove” of another.

In this way, shiplap presents the look of the boards overlapping slightly whereas tongue and groove boards just fit one on top of the other. Tongue and groove is usually a bit more expensive than shiplap, and when used outdoors it is said to do a better job of keeping the elements at bay.

THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

kitchen islands and cabinets, to frame in a bathtub, as a backsplash in kitchens and bathrooms. It quickly communicates a laid-back farmhouse style.

Beadboard consists of panels with the distinctive look of beaded-board plank

Horizontal tongue and groove walls are especially impressive when contrasted with the blank canvas of drywall. This classic wall treatment is an especially effective way to cover old, damaged walls.

Beadboard Beadboard is simply another type of tongue-and-groove panelling, except that the tongues and grooves connect not single boards but panels with the distinctive look of beadedboard plank.

Reclaimed Wood There are two ways to go about this: one is to utilise actual reclaimed wood or simply use new wood and make it look old. Either way a wall of reclaimed wood panelling can add a lot of texture to a space. However actual reclaimed wood is always ideal due to its eco-friendly nature.

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The selected stain colour or finish will have a lot of influence on the final look of the room. Undoubtedly the best thing about reclaimed wood is the story it has to tell. It can form an interesting talking point, while adding an unusual ambience to a room. Reclaimed wood can some from anywhere - from old factories to gymnasiums and churches.

Not to forget the one-of-a-kind character that comes from real nail holes, worm holes, knots, saw marks, surface patina, and even chipping paint.

Reclaimed wood can some from any where – from old factories to gymnasiums and churches

Beadboard is an affordable and charming option for adorning your walls, but with many styles to choose from, you will find a range of prices and qualities and “board” widths, with 2½-inch V-bead and 1 5/8 -inch V-bead being common options.

For the most convincing look and best durability, choose panels at least ¼ inch thick with deep, clean cuts and beads.

Beadboard works on entire walls, half-walls, or ceilings, on

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Surfaces Spl.

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hen thinking of ways to brighten up a room, most of us turn to our walls to provide talking points - either through art pieces or textured coverings and paints. However the ground beneath our feet also holds exciting possibilities for experimentation with texture and materials.

The Inside Track takes a look at some of the latest innovations in flooring materials from across the world.

Natural Growth Hardwood Bolefloor has created the category of curved-length flooring for the market at large. Bolefloor is the world’s first industrial-scale manufactured naturally curved hardwood flooring that follow a tree’s natural growth.

The company’s products are built around the question: Why are floorboards straight?

The reason for this is due to the technological limitations that forced floorboards to remain straight.

Bolefloor thus allows the wood to return to a natural state.

Bolefloor uses a type of optimization technology and customised CAD/CAM developments to allow all floors to be created with shapes that echo the natural form of a tree.

Bolefloor scanners’ natural-edge visual identification technology evaluates “imperfections” such as knots and sapwood near the edges or ends so that floors are both beautiful and durable.

The technology makes natural curved-length flooring available at a price not much more than today’s fine wood flooring. Bolefloor’s

Leaving Them Floored The recent years have seen a spate of

innovations in the flooring materials and furnishing segment. BY ALYSSA LOBO

Bolefloor is the world’s first industrial-scale manufactured naturally curved hardwood flooring that follows a tree’s natural growth

optimization technology means saving natural resources. Not only is the surface aesthetically appealing, but Bolefloor’s innovations allow more floors per forest.

Cooperage Flooring Fontenay offers a truly original collection of flooring that is created out of cooperage (the outside of the barrel head with all its patina, cooper’s stamps and special markings). Part of their Vintage

Cooperage flooring is made from the heads of authentic and used wine barrels

Barrel Collection, these floors are made of wine barrels that are carefully collected and then milled into three separate materials for three separate collections. The cooperage is made from the heads of authentic and used wine barrels.

Thus every piece of this flooring is completely unique - bearing the marks of its wear and tear from years of use. Genuine stamps and markings from the barrels are all incorporated into a Cooperage floor.

The collection also includes Wine Infusion (made from the rich coloured material that comes from the inside of the barrel and is naturally stained by the wine) and Stave (material from the outer sides incorporating the distinct markings from the hoops around the barrel).

Peach Pit Floors This unique flooring is made entirely out of peach stones. This unusual idea comes from South

Stone Fruit Floors has created a flattened style that integrates the peach pits without the “cobbled” effect

THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

EcoDomo gathers real leather scraps and stone-grinds them to make sheets for richly-hued tiles

Africa where the large number of orchards ensured a steady supply of peach pits being produced postharvest. European settlers in the Cape first came up with this idea when they cleverly noticed how these durable pits would make a great flooring material.

Now, South African company Stone Fruit Floors packs the peach pits by hand, and seals them with glue, resin and urethane. Sharp edges are ground off, making it more comfortable to walk on with bare feet. Stone Fruit Floors has even created a flattened style that integrates the peach pits without the “cobbled” effect.

every five to 10 years. Wall tiles do not need wax or additional maintenance. EcoDomo offers eight colors, four textures, and nine size and shape varieties. Tiles range from six inches square to 24 inches square.

Leather Tiles Leather scraps from furniture, shoes, car seats, and other tanneries eventually make their way to landfills. U.S. based company EcoDomo gathers real leather scraps and stone-grinds them to make sheets for richly-hued tiles and panels. The naturally sound-absorbent tiles install like cork or vinyl (preglued tiles are available).

For care and upkeep of floor tiles, use a damp mop to clean them; wax them three times a year, or use a topical sealer once

Biopolymers DuPont’s Sorona® is a renewably sourced biopolymer fibre. The fibre can be used in making large floor carpets and is both renewable and has high design versatility.

Sorona® contains 37 % annually renewable plant-based ingredients.

In addition to this, producing Sorona® uses 30 % less energy and releases 63 % fewer greenhouse gas emissions compared to the production of nylon 6.

With the highest bio-based content in the synthetic carpet fiber market, Sorona ® offers

durability and stain resistance.

This makes it viable for a range of applications both in residential and commercial carpets.

Some years back Mohawk Industries partnered with DuPont and introduced Smar tStrand with DuPont Sorona™, a line of residential flooring carpet and tiles made with renewably sourced polymers derived from corn sugar.

The technology uses 37% content from renewable sources, rather than petroleum, which helps to reduce dependency on oil, reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, and lower energy consumption.

Luxury Vinyl Luxury vinyl is a relatively new category of flooring that combines the high-end look of hardwood (or stone)

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Luxury vinyl from Armstrong

For instance Armstrong has three collections in its luxury vinyl line that recreate natural looks. Alterna is the luxury vinyl tile that looks like ceramic tile or stone, while Luxe Plank luxury vinyl looks like hardwood.

Ceramic Wood With advancements in technology, ceramic and vinyl tiles are now exact replicas of real wood tiles.

In addition these tiles are more durable and easier to maintain than wood. Thus they can be used in spaces where conventionally wood could not - such as wet rooms and shower cubicles.

SmartStrand with DuPont Sorona is a line of residential flooring carpet and tiles made with renewably sourced polymers derived from corn sugar

With advancements in technology, ceramic and vinyl tiles are now exact replicas of real wood tiles

with the durability of vinyl. Because it stands up to moisture, wood-look vinyl is a natural fit in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.

Moreover newer vinyl products are more comfortable to walk on than their older counterparts.

Contact www.bolefloor.com www.fontenay.us www.stonefruitfloors.com www.ecodomo.com www.dupont.com www.armstrong.com

Luxury vinyl is a new category of flooring that combines the high-end look of hardwood or stone with the durability of vinyl

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

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utside of concert halls and theatres acoustics is a little considered aspect of interior design. However architectural acoustics is an important aspect of any space’s design, be it an office or a classroom.

Sound Judgement Demand for acoustic materials, such as Envirospray 300 is growing as the need for better sound environments is being felt in India. BY ALYSSA LOBO As E300 is spray applied, it is has the ability to be retrofitted around existing services with no fuss

Interior space acoustics is the science of controlling a room’s surfaces based on sound absorbing and reflecting properties. Excessive reverberation time, which can be calculated, can lead to poor speech intelligibility. Interior building surfaces can be constructed of many different materials and finishes.

Rooms that are constructed from, or fitted out with reflective “hard” surfaces such as brick, gypsum board,

glass, marble, stainless steel etc., once occupied and functional, usually suffer from high reverberation times that amplify the internal noise. This amplification in conjunction with an echo effect destroys sound clarity and creates most uncomfortable elevated sound levels.

Says Yanick Pierce, owner of Envirospray 300, “A typical example is a crowded restaurant, where diners have to shout to be heard and strain

E300 is manufactured in six locations in Australia and Thailand from natural recycled fibres and treated with additives

to participate in a conversation, while music does not stand a chance. To compensate for the resultant chaos a heavy duty sound absorber such as Envirospray 300 needs to be installed in ceiling and wall locations to remove the reverberant amplification and achieve a pleasant environment where speech is comfortable and music may be enjoyed.”

Ideal acoustical panels are those without a face or finish material

that interferes with the acoustical infill or substrate. Some materials are fabric covered panels, perforated metal, Micore, etc.

An Australian company with an Indian presence now, Enviro-Acoustics has developed a unique acoustic product. Envirospray 300 (E300) is a spray applied sound absorber that is primarily used to achieve reverberation (echo) control in internal spaces where high clarity of sound is required.

Generally to achieve an audible positive result, a minimum sprayed area equal to 50% of the floor area must be applied to ceilings or walls.

The thickness of Envirospray 300 may vary from 10mm to 75mm depending on the volume of the room, noise level and type of sound generated (live music / drama / dining / sports / PA announcements, etc.)

As E300 is spray applied, it has the ability to be retrofitted around existing services with no fuss. Available in two natural colours (steel grey and off-white), the final product may be dyed or painted to achieve a specific architectural choice.

E300 achieves the highest levels of Fire Resistance in comparison with most traditional absorbers, such as fabric wrapped panels, while also making a significant

THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Envirospray 300 is a spray applied sound absorber that is primarily used to achieve reverberation control in internal spaces

contribution to Green Star Ratings with an 80% recycled content / ultra-low VOC / Zero ODP. It is manufactured from natural recycled fibres and treated with additives for compliance with building code fire resistance requirements.

Reverberation Control is a nonoptional ingredient for auditoriums,

studios, music rooms, cinema halls, call centres, sport venues, airport halls or any place where sound clarity is essential.

However acoustic solutions are still not widely used in India, outside these specialised spaces.

Moreover Pierce notes, “ The introduction of poor reverberation

control will result in ‘poor’ acoustics which sadly is highly prevalent and widespread in India as the venue occupants are not too discerning or informed. Furthermore, it is generally acknowledged that the traditional Indian is very tolerant of ‘noise’ and more is considered much merrier.”

He further explains that typically, good acoustics in residential situations and restaurants is an optional item, and mostly overlooked as it is an investment in a nontangible sector. “How much is a pleasant conversation with friends worth?”, asks Pierce.

But nowadays most Indians who have travelled abroad are aware of the emphasis that first world countries place on the comfort qualities of internal environments, and are demanding the same.

There are many cutting edge acoustic products now available in the Indian market. Sound absorbers come in all shapes and sizes: fabric wrapped panels, slotted timber panelling, curtains, glass wool batts, rockwool blankets, etc.

Ho w e v e r P i e r c e c a u t i o n s that every absorber type has a

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place and time where cost, looks and performance all converge to result in the ideal choice.

Such a decision is the result of acute awareness of performance parameters and product knowledge and is often misguided due to budget constraints.

He predicts that this trend to have cost dominate all acoustic performance decisions is shifting upwards to incorporate the adage “you get what you pay for”. Well informed clients now demand top end acoustics for the best price.

Pierce remains optimistic for the future of the acoustic segment in India. “Excellent acoustics, once experienced will always remain a desired item.

Hence as an increasing number of locations in India embrace the concept and benefits of sound comfort, an increasing number of Indians, once exposed to these venues, demand the same and vote with their feet or purse”, he says.

Contact web: www.envirospray300.com.au email:envirospray.in@gmail.com, spedder@gmail.com tel: +91 98202 74263

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

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hile most of us spend some time thinking about the patterns and materials that we use on our indoor floors, we generally leave the decision of outdoor flooring to the builder or construction crew. The exterior ground also requires attention and one must choose the floor or deck material carefully while taking into consideration the uses to which the area will be put.

Here is a look at some flooring materials for exterior areas such as gardens, patios, decks and terraces.

Stamped Concrete Concrete might not seem like the most innovative or exciting of flooring materials but if done right it can be the perfect blend of aesthetics and practicality. This can be done especially well if one uses stamped concrete.

Stamped concrete is concrete that is designed to resemble brick, slate, flagstone, stone, tile, wood and various other patterns and textures.

Previously in India only expensive commercial applications could use this method, but now with the introduction of more affordable

Great Outdoor Floors There is a wide range of options for exterior

flooring materials, one needs to only keep an open mind. BY ALYSSA LOBO wood requires cleaning and sealing every one to two years. However composite decking is an option if you want the look of wood with less maintenance.

Those who are environmentally conscious can still have wood decking by using local hardwood. This makes the deck building greener as well as less expensive, since the wood doesn’t have to be trucked in.

If your ground is sloped, consider building the deck in levels to follow the slope.

Deck Tiles Deck tiles are a good option for those who want the look and feel of wood, but not the difficulty of installation involved. This innovative material is designed to be snapped together, creating a modular deck practically

Heavy and durable, slate is easy to install and can be cut in varying lengths and widths

options, this could gain momentum within residential applications as well.

New colouring and stamping options make concrete resemble stone, bricks, or other higher-end materials. Concrete pavers are durable, low-maintenance, and come in a wide variety of designs from brick to flagstone.

When you are designing with concrete, you can also leave sections open for plantings, trees or other garden features, creating a custom look.

Wood Panel Decking Wood decking is one of the simplest ways to floor any exterior area. It is also relatively less expensive but

anywhere. It’s perfect for covering up an unattractive surface or creating a new patio quickly and easily.

Depending on the kind of tiles, you may also need to stain and seal them to protect them from the elements. This type of decking is especially practical in India as it’s easy to disassemble and store when monsoon weather sends you indoors.

Brick A brick patio has a charming, oldworld look. Yet the bricks used for patios are a little different from the usual kind used in home construction.

They must be specially fired, so they’re less porous. If the building is in an area which experiences

New colouring and stamping options make concrete resemble stone, bricks, or other higher-end materials

extremely cold weather, you need to check that the brick is the correct grade for the environment.

Along with red, bricks also come in tan, black and other shades. A different colour is not the only way to make brick patios more interesting, one can also create patterns with the bricks.

Bricks can offer natural warmth and elegance, but there are some drawbacks. If installed on sand instead of mortar, you can have weeds popping up in between the bricks, yet these spaces also leave room for plants that might soften the look of the patio.

Another thing to look out for, especially in areas with heavy rain is the growth of moss. This might make the flooring slippery and difficult to walk on especially for the elderly.

Natural Stone Stone can be expensive to transport and installation is labour-intensive.

Local stone from your region (for example, laterite in the western part of India) costs less and is more eco-friendly. Once installed, natural stone is extremely durable and almost maintenance-free.

There are also many types of natural stones which one can choose and the ideal material depends on one’s needs and the environment.

Flagstone and slate are some of the possibilities.

Flagstone is relatively inexpensive and hard wearing, making it a popular choice for patios and paths.

Slate is a type of flagstone that has been used by builders for centuries.

Heavy and durable, slate is easy to install and can be cut in varying lengths and widths.

Slate stone colors range from dark blacks and brown to reds, rusts, purples, greens, to blue-grays.

Natural stones have beautiful colour variations which can form part of the pattern and overall design of your outdoor space.

Deck tiles have the look and feel of wood, but not the difficulty of installation

THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

SpotLight

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collaboration between a young, brilliant architect and a premier carpet manufacturing brand can have a unique outcome. For one, when it’s Rooshad Shroff, Principal Designer, Rooshad Shroff Architecture & Design behind the design, there is an intrinsic quality of artistry, refinement and craftsmanship that is certain; while Cocoon Fine Rugs brings its expertise with hand-woven, ultra-luxurious rugs to the table.

Rooshad’s latest collection for Cocoon Fine Rugs is a melange of seemingly complex geometries interspersed with a splash of vivid

Designer Rooshad Shroff

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Ideally Aesthetical Designs Rooshad Shroff’s latest collection for Cocoon Fine Rugs weaves contemporary and traditional styles into a statement of refined luxury. BY REHANA HUSSAIN Rooshad Shroff’s collection for Cocoon Fine Rugs is a melange of seemingly complex geometries interspersed with a splash of vivid colour

Rooshad’s observation is that people nowadays are more inclined to incorporate heavily patterned floorings within their homes rather than opting for a subtle look. This formed the crux behind the design of his collection for Cocoon Fine Rugs.

Providing a contemporary twist to it, Rooshad morphed these traditional patterns from one shape to another and infused the designs with a burst of bright, energetic colours which transforms the rugs into objets d’art.

This collection of rugs can add colour to even a dull, boring space, making them an ideal choice for traditional as well as modern homes.

Contact email: info@rooshadshroff.com tel: +91 22 2203 7745

colours that elicit the rich, elaborate work done on the rugs.

He takes inspiration from traditional Indian flooring patterns of heritage bungalows for the collection named ‘Tessellations’.

His intense affinity with traditional craftsmanship is seen throughout his works in architecture, product and furniture design and it is something that has always intrigued the young architect.

‘Tessellations’ takes its inspiration from traditional Indian flooring patterns of heritage bungalows

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Surfaces Spl.

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new year brings with it new styles, textures and colours, especially in the vibrant segment of wall décor. We take a look at some exciting trends in

Walls In Vogue We uncover the latest design trends in wall paints and wallpapers that are set to make a splash this year. BY ALYSSA LOBO of leather and suede are becoming very popular for its opulent look and sensual feel. It is especially luxurious when padded or overlaid onto tiles for feature walls which look particularly good in hallways, bedrooms, dining rooms and home offices.

Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate a balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue

wallpapers and paints that look to dominate wall design this year.

Rose Quartz and Serenity This year paint manufacturer Pantone made an unusual announcement. For the first time, the blending of two shades – Rose Quartz and Serenity are chosen as the Pantone Colour of the Year. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.

The prevalent combination of Rose Quartz and Serenity also challenges traditional perceptions of colour association. This is in keeping

with global trends in fashion where the blurring of gender has impacted colour trends throughout all other areas of design.

This approach to colour coincides with societal movements toward gender equality and fluidity, the consumer’s increased comfort with using colour as a form of expression, a generation that has less concern about being typecast or judged and an open exchange of digital information that has exposed the public to different approaches to colour usage.

Leather Whether it’s a photographic paper providing a leather look or the real thing, different shades and grains

There is a big trend for faking natural materials with wallpaper.

Texture Wallpaper can be used to add a third dimension to a room through textures.

Some interesting wallpapers feature fake snakeskin and crocodile textures, various grasses, contemporary flock patterns, etc. For the more adventurous and those with bigger budgets, there are some really interesting 3D wall coverings made from various materials such as concrete and metals.

Geometric Prints These are ideal for repeat patterns and giving a clean, simple and ordered look. A monochrome pattern makes for an uber chic and sophisticated look in a bedroom while a bold colour can give high impact in a sitting room.

Wallpaper with a View Wallpaper is one way to break the monotony of a room without a view or windows. It is possible to create the illusion of a landscape or cityscape through digitally printed wallpapers.

Faking Natural Materials There is also a big trend for faking natural materials with wallpaper and tiling; for example fake wood, polished concrete, marble and brick patterns. This is a much cheaper way to achieve the look without spending a lot for the actual material. There are also varying qualities of wallpaper

Floral wallpaper can look modern with bold graphical patterns or loose conceptual prints

that mimic bookcases, wine cellars and windows for those that want to create a particular mood with a clever illusion.

Floral Floral prints might seem a bit out dated but they can be made to look modern with bold graphical patterns or loose conceptual prints. For those who don’t want a look that is too feminine, leaf prints or patterns that are abstract or neutral in colour are an interesting alternative.

Interactive Wallpaper With mass media moving into the realm of interactivity, this trend could be the future of wallpaper. Wall paper is becoming more interactive and customisable. More and more spaces are incorporating the client’s personal touch through the use of products like blackboard wallpapers, magnetic papers and even ones you can colour in and draw on.

Interactive Wallpaper: More and more spaces are incorporating the client’s personal touch

THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Interview

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siades is a Netherlands based company that designs, develops and produces dining and lounge furniture. The creative and sales office is situated in Apeldoorn in the east of the Netherlands, while production takes place in Asia.

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Partnership Matters For furniture brands setting shop in

India, finding the right partner is half the battle won.

Which are some of your latest developments?

Powder-coated metal frames, dining mostly, a little bit of lounge. We set up our own powder coating area inside the factory. We just moved to a new Asiades factory in China, in the mountains. All the workers live in the village where we produce so we get more commitment instead of having a dormitory where everybody goes away and we don’t know when they’ll come back.

Jan-Wout Hulstein, MD, Asiades

The Inside Track spoke to JanWout Hulstein-MD, Asiades about the challenges of running a vast global business and why it is tough setting shop in India.

Tell us a bit about your company.

I am the fifth generation in the business. We used to produce small orders. If someone wanted a cabinet, my grandfather would make it.

My father turned it into a retail shop because he didn’t like making furniture. I started making furniture behind my house.

Then I started to import items from Indonesia. Then I thought it would be better to finish it in Indonesia.

Now we produce mainly in China.

We’re trying to translate the latest trends into nice products, using the best materials, but still keep it affordable. Asia is growing as a market for us: China, Japan, and Thailand; especially as China is so huge.

What kind of trends do you see emerging in the furniture and furnishings segment?

The dining table used to be in the kitchen, only as a place to eat. Or you have a dining room where you only come when you have guests. But now dining has become lounging. People start the day at the dining table. They open the laptop, read the newspaper, stay there after dinner and have a glass of wine. Or they watch a movie on their laptop in the dining area.

So it will become more and more loungey. The function of a dining chair is different from what it was 10 years ago.

Your lounge becomes even more relaxing, so your sofa is not to socialise any more. Your sofa is to relax, watch television, do nothing.

Are there any new categories within the furniture segment that you intend to venture into?

We’re picking up something that we didn’t touch for a long time, which

With the dining area becoming loungelike, the function of a dining chair has changed

India is a huge furniture market but finding the right retail partner is difficult for international brands

is teenagers. They want to express themselves with furniture especially for them. From 12 to 16, that age is quite a good market.

What are your thoughts on India?

India is huge but finding the right retail partner is quite difficult.

Good Earth, Oma - there are some good entries. There should be more furniture from us in there; we have to find a way.

There’s one retail shop that got it more or less right - Timmy Sarna.

India is not easy because you have a nationwide retailer and he needs to deliver to another area, it’s almost like export. It’s not free moving of goods.

You need to find the right partner who has this all set up. I don’t know how Ikea will do it. They say that they will produce a big part in India.

I think it will be a nice challenge

Jan-Wout Hulstein, MD, Asiades

for them. Maybe they made an agreement, otherwise it’s difficult.

If we talk to Indian retailers, they say, ‘Your products are too expensive for us’ and it’s only about price.

What are some of the challenges that you are facing presently and what are your strategies to overcome them?

One of the challenges that we have is to find the right partners in each country. We sometimes say, ‘Ok we stick with some retailers.’ In the Middle East we had many retailers and we had one that really fit with us, a company called ‘The One’. We had six retailers with the Mall of the Emirates. We told them, ‘Sorry but we’re focusing on one retailer.’

America is big, so we’ll have 15 retailers in different fields.

One is good with classic style, one is more modern. That makes it less challenging. We have to be more selective because sometimes people put it online and there are these two ladies who do it out of a hobby. And they take a little margin, and we have a beautiful product and they ruin the price.

And somebody else says, ‘I want it off the floor’, because they ruin the market.

Contact For India: Dhaval Makhecha web: www.asiades.com email: dhaval@asiades.com tel: +91 97028 26255

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Interview

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ingapore based furniture brand d-Bodhi was started in 2007 by Raymond Davids. The company is named after the Sanskrit word ‘Bodhi’, meaning ‘enlightenment’. d-Bodhi has won multiple awards at the International Furniture Fair in Singapore (IFFS) for their furniture collections. The Inside Track caught up with d-Bodhi Head of Marketing, Bert Sacre at this year’s IFFS to chat about the brand’s environmental philosophy and their latest collections.

Reclaiming The World Of Furniture d-Bodhi’s line of furniture balances

environmental consciousness with a high design aesthetic.

What kind of products do you specialise in?

The main thing that sets us apart is that all our furniture is made out of reclaimed materials. We go on a search for materials that have already been used. Mainly the materials we source are from villages in the east of Java, from people who want to sell their houses because after a couple of generations their structures are falling apart. We buy those structures and with that money the villagers get to rebuild their houses.

We have an online documentary about how we source the wood from East Java - the whole process of dismantling the house, the ceremonies that go into making the wood free of spirits.

Which are the other materials that you reclaim and reuse?

Paper art is made out of old magazines and misprints. We have good contacts with printers and with factories that collect old paper. And then it goes to small suppliers who make it into an art piece.

We also use rubber from old tyres, which we slice up and use with teakwood in different kinds of decorations and styles.Apart from that we also have smaller collections that make use of old license plates, also from Java.

We already do some wall decorations.

It is fun for us to experiment with new materials. For example, this year we have a new lamp collection which makes use of bamboo and reclaimed teak wood.

How do you balance functionality and aesthetics?

The d-Bodhi team with founder Raymond Davids after winning in the Bedroom category at IFFS 2016

When you get your material, does it inform what you to do with it, or do you have an idea before that?

This is a challenge for our designers because we use materials that are coming from anywhere - windows, panels, beams. Most of our designs are influenced by the shapes that already exist. We also have a zero waste policy so certain parts that are cut off windows and panels go into the production of another collection. It’s really the wood that defines how our furniture looks and that gives it a special character.

What are some of your latest innovations?

We have three new collections, of

which the Mondrian is the primary collection. We select cut-offs from the bigger panels, to make our masterpiece. Mondrian refers to the old Dutch painter.

Then we have the Urban collection. The bed won an award for the Best Bedroom Presentation at the IFFS this year. That is our more modern, lofty kind of style feature.

It is in line with what we’ve already done: working with black metal and sturdy, rough wood; which is our trademark.

The last one is a whole new approach - the Contour, which is a lighter approach to make use of wood.

Do you see some trends emerging in furnishings and furniture segments?

We focus more on aesthetics. You buy a table because you like it. The functionality flows out of that. You also have the influence of the existing material. So you have a design that is influenced by its former use. Obviously we look at ergonomics, but we focus on the aesthetics which for us means pure materials that are a bit rough, with textures or cuts.

Is the manufacturing also done with sustainable measures?

We use manual labour to manufacture all the furniture, that is why every little piece is a little bit different.

We put the workers in teams so that they work on one piece of furniture together. We use a lot of Asian skills. We don’t try to introduce new techniques. Also when we come to Singapore we bring our workers with us to build our stand so that we don’t use contractors from here.

Contact web:: www.d-bodhi.com

There is more interest in reclaimed materials and also in the ecological aspect of furniture. European countries are using different kinds of materials that don’t effect the environment. Pure forms and pure materials are somethings that people want. In general people still like warm materials in furniture.

Are there any other categories, besides furniture and furnishings that you plan to venture into?

The Contour collection is a lighter approach to make use of wood

We don’t really want to change our course in the short run. But we are always interested in venturing out.

The Mondrian collection is made from select cut-offs from bigger panels

THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Spot Light

T

o appreciate design masterpieces the India Design Council invites design entries, evaluates them and rewards the most unique designs with the I-Mark each year.

I-Mark is now the symbol of excellent design in terms of form,

Bharat Hapani, M.D. Kich Architectural Products Pvt. Ltd.

functionality, quality, safety, aesthetics and innovation in India. It is awarded by the India Design Council formed by the Government of India and holds huge prestige in the design and architecture fraternity.

Kich, a renowned brand in architectural products, has recently won the I-Mark for its premium category product, PVD finish mortice handles.

A fine finish and the aesthetically appealing design of the handles is the core feature for which Kich has won the most coveted title, I-Mark.

Apart from this recent achievement, Kich has also won I-Mark thrice in the past.

By winning I-Mark for the fourth time, Kich has again proved its stellar craftsmanship which aptly combines design and technical prowess.

In the form of PVD finish mortice handles, a unique design has been presented with elegance.

Its glittering finish is sure to adorn your premises with charm. With the

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An India Design Mark for Kich Kich’s India Design Mark win for its PVD

finish mortice handles speaks of its design craftsmanship and functionality. BY REHANA HUSSAIN superior quality PVD finish, these mortice handles maintain excellent colour consistency for a very long time. The mortice handles are also able to minimise friction and withstand high temperature.

“We are always committed to deliver unique product designs to our customers. Kich PVD finish mortice handle is an attempt to deliver a unique design along with high aesthetics. Its finish is elegant enough to adorn the premises and express grandeur,” says Bharat Hapani, Managing Director of Kich Architectural Products Pvt. Ltd.

He continues sharing the I-Mark success story with us, “I sincerely thank India Design Council for acknowledging and rewarding the product design of Kich PVD finish mortice handles. It is really inspiring and will empower us to deliver better and better designs in the future. I also congratulate the Kich design team for such a prestigious achievement and I express my deepest gratitude towards all the patrons for supporting brand Kich at various levels.”

Contact Anil Vanjani (Manager - Business Development) email:anil@kichindia.com tel: +91-93760 13638

For sustainable gardens to flourish especially, soil is indispensable

With superior PVD finish, the mortice handles maintain excellent colour consistency for a very long time

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Dealer Speak

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ituated in Kolkata, Ladhuram Toshniwal & Sons is India’s No.1 channel partner for Philips India Limited and exclusive distributor of their decorative lighting

Abhishek Toshniwal, Director, Ladhuram Toshniwal & Sons

products. They have been awarded the ‘Golden Trophy for Highest Sales Turnover’ in the country by Philips for 34 years since 1981 and Champion of Champion’s Trophy (2014) by Philips for best customer service provider in the country.

A Fine Balance The lighting and electricals industry needs to balance power-saving capabilities with cost-effectiveness.

Philips has occupied a large space in the electrical arena and still maintains their smooth business.

Their initiatives for smart and inspiring light in every corner of the world encouraged us to deal in their lighting products for best use in homes and different industries as well as architectural projects and aesthetic preservation of monuments. Other reputed brands modernise their products by adopting advanced technology in electrical gadgets.

How are the established Indian companies performing against foreign competition? What do you think about Indian products?

Interestingly, in our opinion,

Unless LED lighting is cost effective its acceptance will be slow

They maintain Philips Light Lounge at Salt Lake, Kolkata-91 which is Asia’s Best Light Lounge and another at 77/2A, Hazra Road, Kolkata-29 which is Eastern India’s Best Light Lounge, where more than 1000 decorative Philips lighting products are displayed.

They are also dealers of other reputed lighting brands like Rashmi, Bajaj, Crompton, Havells, HPL, Schneider Electric, Racold, RR Kabel, Polycab, JBL, Bosch, etc.

Their sister concern, Rashmi brand, manufactures choke, LEDs, CFLs and solar products.

We speak to Abhishek Toshniwal, Director, Ladhuram Toshniwal & Sons about the latest developments in the lighting and electrical industry.

Currently, which brands in India are making some of the best products in the electrical segment?

It is an established fact that

Indian companies are better with regard to the quality of energy saving products. There is a huge prospect for which efficient efforts are needed to capture the foreign market. Regular visits to lighting exhibitions/seminars/workshops worldwide by knowledgeable and eminent personalities are also required. The State and Union Governments also have a big role in this endeavour.

What are some of the most innovative products that you have come across in the electrical and lighting segment?

Now, LED has replaced CFL in terms of energy usage. Solar energy with the help of LED can also be used for environment friendly and power saving usage in a huge way.

But unless it is cost effective in character, chances of its acceptance will be slow.

Ladhuram Toshniwal & Sons maintains Philips Light Lounge at Salt Lake, Kolkata which is Asia’s Best Light Lounge

Energ y conser vation is ver y important in this sector. Which products or brands have managed to be successful in this?

We are living in the age of advanced technology especially with the innovation of energy saving methods, keeping in mind national energy saving conservation for ultimate gain in the national exchequer.

These are the brands available in the country viz. Philips, Rashmi, Bajaj, Crompton, Havells, Syska, etc. who are in the fray, but customers are the real judges with regard to their eco-friendly usage and cost point of view.

What is the scope of lighting and electrical automation in the Indian market? What are the particular needs of consumers in this segment?

A vast area in the Indian market is wide open for testing the choice of consumers. But, as responsible traders of lighting products, we cannot deny that prima facie it is

the duty of the manufacturers to give utmost thrust so as to reach the customers with environment friendly and cost effective lighting products. This is simply because if products are unaffordable to them, the purpose of introducing new products will get defeated and put them in hardship in the lighting arena in due course.

What do you feel are going to be future trends in this segment in the coming years? What are customers looking for in this segment?

It is imperative that customers are always at the helm of any business affairs. Their tastes, choices are the main prerogative for which manufacturers should give thrust. If present LED usage at an affordable price continues to take the market share, it will give an impetus to manufacturers at least for a few more years until the research shows results.

Contact web: www.toshniwalworld.com email : abhi@toshniwalworld.com tel: 033 4022 4039 / 98309 63260

THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Spot Light

D

uravit washbowls come in a vast variety of forms and variants. They can be combined with consoles made of many different materials such as wood, glass or natural stone as well as matching Duravit consoles and vanity units.

There has never been a washbowl quite like Cape Cod. With Cape Cod, Philippe Starck and Duravit have reinvented the bathroom as a place of rejuvenation for the mind, body and soul. Cape Cod features elegant, fine edges that measure only 5 mm in thickness.

Made possible by the innovative DuraCeram® material, it provides outstanding elegance without compromising quality, robustness or ease of care.

Working with Matteo Thun & Partners, Duravit came up with DuraStyle, a compact, smart, complete bathroom programme that is compelling on the strength of its visual lightness and simplicity of form. The narrow, elegant rim around the washbowl and the tapered outer edge that neatly slopes inward are characteristic of DuraStyle.

Cape Cod

The Washbowl – A Timeless Classic The Duravit Washbowl is a design statement and also an attractive alternative when compared to conventional washbasins.

DuraStyle

Happy D.2

Duravit’s PuraVida washbowl by Phoenix Design makes minimalism approachable by giving it a delicate, feminine touch and graceful appearance, while exquisiteness can be delightfully experienced with the clean-cut designs of the Happy D.2 range of washbowl.

Duravit partners with leading designers such as Philippe Starck, sieger design, Phoenix Design, Starck 2

PuraVida

Advertorial

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Kurt Merki Jr.,Matteo Thun & Partners and has won multiple Red Dot, IF Design and Design Center Stuttgart awards among many other global design recognitions.

Contact Duravit India Private Limited tel: 07966112300 respond@in.duravit.com www.duravit.in www.pro.duravit.in

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THE INSIDE April 2016

Spot Light

C

era, one of India’s largest sanitary ware players shared details about its partnership with the Italian brand ISVEA at a press interaction in Mumbai on the 5th of April 2016. Mr. Vikram Somany, Chairman and Managing Director of Cera informed the media that they have decided to partner with ISVEA as they are now

Cera Leads ISVEA Into India Cera’s partnership with Italian brand ISVEA has its sights set on the premium designer sanitaryware market in India.

ISVEA Chairman of the Board, Erdem Cenesiz with Vikram Somany, Chairman and M.D., Cera

able to introduce a luxury range which is demand with architects and developers.

ISVEA was established in 1962 in Italy, and today it has three manufacturing sites (Italy, Turkey and Moldova) with a product line-up that is geared to the upper-end of the sanitary market. Cera, with its well established distribution network, and believing in the increasing purchasing power of Indian consumers, felt the need to enter the luxury sanitary ware segment.

Hence, this strategic partnership fulfils needs of both the players as it presents ISVEA immediate access to the large Indian market through

Cera’s distribution footprint while Cera gets to pitch high-end award winning sanitary ware products to the ‘projects market’ as well as retail consumers.

Mr. Erdem Cenesiz commented, “Our relationship with Cera has

just started and this is something we would like to build on for a long time.” He also stated that in the future with this partnership ISVEA may look at introducing fittings and faucets manufactured by Cera to the European market.

Cera plans to open select ISVEA outlets in the major cities, giving the ISVEA brand the much needed retail and trade access

The ISVEA design studio is based in Milan and the brand has bagged prestigious labels like the Red Dot for its products. The ISVEA design team is led by Ettore Giordano who has assumed the task of CDO (Chief Designer Officer) at ISVEA since 2014.

With this partnership Cera plans to open select ISVEA outlets and appoint dealers to stock these products in the major cities giving the ISVEA brand the much needed retail and trade access. This partnership will also allow Cera to compete with the likes of TOTO, Duravit and Kohler with its portfolio of ISVEA products and tap the top end of the sanitary ware market.

Contact web:www.cera-india.com www.isveabagno.it email: marketing@cera-india.com

THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Spot Light

R

ecently the building product space has seen a flurry of merger and acquisition activity. Joining the fray are global majors Franke Group and Duravit AG. On 29 th March 2016, the Swiss Franke Group acquired a stake of 25 percent in Duravit, the German manufacturer of designer bathrooms and wellbeing systems that is headquartered in Hornberg.

Duravit CEO Dr. Frank Richter

What is also interesting to note is that the previous minority shareholder of Duravit, Roca Corporación Empresarial SA, had sold its stake on 31 st December 2015, which was a prerequisite for the investment of Franke.

Subject to approval by the antitrust agencies, Franke now acquires these previously held shares.

The Super visor y Board Chairman of Duravit, Gregor Greinert, summarizes the partnership of more than 20 years: “We thank Roca for the excellent, always fair and constr uctive cooperation over the last two decades. We positively look into the future, which we intend to shape with Franke.”

Franke and Duravit have a complementary product portfolio and almost perfectly support each other. Both companies have a significant presence in India as well with manufacturing facilities, establised trade networks and products that are leaders in their respective segments.

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Franke Invests In Duravit The Swiss Franke Group recently acquired

a 25 percent stake in Duravit AG, Germany.

They plan to mutually develop innovative products for the bathroom and kitchen under their respective brands.

The two firms have an international focus, strong brands and a great innovative capacity with a focus on outstanding design, high quality and intelligent functionality.

This participation lays the foundation for establishing a strategic partnership in the bathroom and kitchen area. The alliance will also have a positive imapact on the project business of these firms. The bundling of common strengths enables the German and Swiss market leaders to be even more successful in setting lifestyle trends for a better quality of life in bathrooms and kitchens. This serves as the basis for further expansion and strengthening their respective international market position.

D u r a v i t C E O D r. Fr a n k Richter sees the positive effects of the partnership already now: “We see a lot of advantages on both sides. Together, we can realize

additional national and international growth potentials in the bathroom and kitchen sector, both in the showroom as well as in the project related business.”

Alexander Zschokke, CEO of Franke Group, said: “Partnering with Duravit is an important milestone in the strategic development of the Franke Group. Both companies have excellent expertise, more than 100 years of experience and a high level of design competence. Not only is Duravit a strong development partner for Franke, the corporate cultures match too - entrepreneurship is top priority for both companies.

Together we will set new standards in the bathroom and kitchen sector and experience a major upswing in growth.”

The Franke group has a global presence and employs approximately 9,000 employees in 39 countries, generating a turnover of around

Alexander Zschokke, CEO of Franke Group

CHF 2.1 billion (approx 1.93 billion Euro). While Duravit produces at 11 locations worldwide, has about 5,800 employees and generated net sales of about 432 million euros in 2015.

Contact web: www.duravit.in www.franke.com

The Duravit Design Center in Hornberg, Germany

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Fair News

Salone Internazionale del Mobile

Prague Design Week

Date 12th - 17th April, 2016 Venue Milan, Italy Contact www.salonemilano.it/en/, info@salonemilano.it

Date 2th - 8th May, 2016 Venue Prague, Czech Republic Contact www.praguedesignweek.cz/en

The Salone is now into its 55th year, championing innovation and internationality - in fact the number of foreign exhibitors has risen again, now making up almost 30% of all the manufacturers at the fair. It is clearly going to be an interesting edition, both in terms of the wide-ranging commercial offering from a line-up of top specialist companies on the national and international market, and in terms of the search for a balance between tradition and innovation in the name of quality and culture.

Following the success of the 2015 edition - attended by 310,840 visitors - the 2016 edition will feature the Salone Internazionale del Mobile along with the International Furnishing Accessories Exhibition, and more than 1,300 exhibitors ranged over 150,000 square metres, split into Classic and Design sections, making for a visitor-friendly floor plan and a 360° insight into the world of furniture and furnishing accessories. The biennial EuroCucina and its collateral exhibition FTK (Technology For the Kitchen) are back, along with the International Bathroom Exhibition.

The designers’ exhibition continues the tradition in many developed countries of regularly organizing an exhibition of not only contemporary design in their capital cities. Out of the need to present, to those who care for design, creativity, new ideas, skills, technology and hence even the products of Czech and foreign designers, craftsmen and producers, they annually showcase this event in a different concept than the one you may be used to in the Czech Republic. Prague Design Week focuses on telling stories about design and wants to show the final product as a process from the initial idea through sketches and prototypes to the finished product.

Times Goa Property Fair - Mumbai

Date 30th Apr - 1st May Venue Nehru Centre, Mumbai Contact www.infairs.in

Times Goa Property Fair - Mumbai is a two day event being held from 30th April to 1st May 2016 at the Nehru Centre in Mumbai, India. This exhibition would showcase projects from Goa’s top developers. This event will witness a number of top developers showcase their space solution suiting every requirement and budget. Be assured of a wide range of properties across Goa brought under one roof just to help find the buyer’s dream home. This exhibition would showcase projects from Goa’s top developers. Projects ranging from single bedroom apartments to penthouses and luxury villas, and ranging in price from 20-25 lakh to several crore will be on display. Information on housing loan options and how to avail the same will also be available at the exhibition.

Fairs & Exhibitions

Date 15th March - 14th May, Buildings as Ideas: The Un-built works of Charles Correa Venue The Goethe Institute/ Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai Contact www.goethe.de/mumbai ,info@mumbai.goethe.org Charles Correa’s built projects are recognized for their ingenuity and conceptual clarity. However, a collection of his un-built work: competition entries, commissions and public projects, are rich repositories of his ideas and occupy a significant portion of his oeuvre. This un-built work, though less well-known, contributed significantly to the clarity of his thought and design. Here we see the seminal idea intact, unhindered by the pragmatic force of the building process. This exhibition highlights these un-built projects, through the drawings and sketches of Correa’s archive.

THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

It Products Aldec Launches Its New Collection of Furnishing Fabrics Aldeco Interior Fabrics is a dynamic and creative Portuguese brand that commercializes high end interior fabrics to the world.

Their collections are exclusively developed by their design

department, inspired by art, and always in tune with fashion and design trends.

The tropics are so inspiring that the brand developed fabrics to connect with it.

They present an explosion of colors and floral, graphic, printed, embroidered and jacquard designs, from which you can feel a strong connection between Man and Nature, enhancing the hand-made chic concept. These fabrics create an environment with a special touch of Tropical Décor and with the magic of positive vibrations, which is the main focus for this collection.

Aldeco is available in India through Maishaa, a luxury home fashion textile brand.

Contact www.maishaa.com

The Blighty Collection Of Furnishing Fabrics from Clarke & Clarke Clarke & Clarke, one of the fastest growing editor brands in England, launches Blighty, its new collection of Furnishing Fabrics to give your home a more elegant and edgy look.

Inspired by all things British, Blighty is a collection of country scenes, wildlife and places of interest. Design London depicts famous landmarks of the capital - bold, bright and British. There are many other charming and whimsical patterns in the range including Brollies, Allotment and Titchwell.

Clarke & Clarke has a dedicated strategy of bringing high quality fabrics wallpapers to customers at affordable prices. Customers have embraced this philosophy and Clarke & Clarke is now present in more than 75 countries around the world, which are serviced from their UK headquarters in Haslingden, Lancashire.

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Brody from Steelcase

The ability to focus is a real challenge for today’s employees.

They get interrupted or distracted by text messages, email alerts or even by their own thoughts.

To address this issue, Steelcase designed a solution; making the office environment more conducive to distraction free work spaces.

To help workers manage their attention better, Steelcase launched Brody which creates a shelter from visual distractions, provides privacy and offers an enhanced sense of psychological security.

It provides a place where people can overcome distraction and concentrate for longer periods of time on difficult assignments. Brody helps workers regulate their attention and save energy by creating a microenvironment for controlled attention.

Brody offers: Live Lumbar Technology (for dynamic back support), an adjustable work surface, a privacy screen, personal storage and a footrest.

Contact www.steelcase.com/asia-en

Truly Timeless - A New Beds Collection By Essentia Environments

Mr. Arun Garg, President of Maishaa said, “Clarke & Clarke’s design sense and its natural colors connect beautifully with the core ideology of Maishaa. We know that our discerning clients will love the way Clarke & Clarke interprets the trend of furnishing fabrics.”

Contact www.maishaa.com Essentia Environments launched its latest collection of beds which will surely modify your sleeping experience.

“The New Beds Collection is not just a design or product collection; it is an expression of art and a joyful fusion of design, functionality, aesthetics, comfort, style, originality and experience” says Monica Chawla, Essentia Environments.

The brand has come up with a collection of beds for the master bedroom which is one of its kinds.

One of the beds from the new collection has an upholstered headboard and base, covered in leather, metal parts in burnished brass and nickeled iron giving it a unique modern design synonymous with international elegance and luxury. On the other hand few beds are made in solid American cherry-wood or American walnut wood giving them a dynamic and versatile style and a contemporary look.

Contact www.essentiaenvironments.com

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

It Products Fennel Launches Its New Collection of Coffee Tables

tops, to hexagons; from unique textured metal, marble, stone tops accompanied by a metal or a lacquer wood base -there’s something special for every room.

An extremely original and personal signature characterizes these coffee tables, which is synonymous with innovation, style and glamour. These coffee tables can take your living room from contemporary minimalism to retro-modern funk with a simple change of colour and materials.

Contact www.fennel.in store.moi@fennel.in

Add a touch of glamour to your living space with the gorgeous high gloss and lacquered finished Coffee Tables by Fennel. These coffee tables have a simple yet beautiful structure that looks great with most of the decor. There are a great piece of furniture with contemporary design and a tint of traditional style, which blends with most of the decor.

The range offers a variety of options to pick from in terms of both the design and the materials used. With a wide array to choose from; from round

Le Creuset Relaunches Its First French Oven Le Creuset, one of the world’s most famous French Cookware Brand marks its 90th Anniversary this year. To commemorate this momentous milestone, Le Creuset will be releasing a limited edition replica of the very first French Oven (cocotte). Only 1,925 of these Cast Iron 90th Anniversary Original Cocottes have been made in honor of the company’s founding.

Ankur Damani, Head India and SAARC, says “In the last 90 years, countless culinary trends have

come and gone, but Le Creuset’s place at the table has stood the test of time. The response from the Indian consumer has been phenomenal and we have special plans for celebrations to commemorate the brand’s 90th anniversary in India” The company’s first colour of enameled cast iron cookware was a bright ‘Flame’ orange inspired by the vibrant tones of molten cast iron.

Contact www.le-creuset.in

Knock on Wood Introduces The Mardi Gras Collection Usha Cool Mist Ultrasonic Humidifier

Mardi Gras, or “Fat Tuesday” in French, is the traditional, vibrant street festival.

The Mardi Gras collection is contemporary and celebrates bold, vibrant elements. The collection features raw, rustic wood and aluminium. The textured wood is finished to zero gloss for a natural appearance. Dark, walnut stain with black and burgundy undertones creates a beautiful contrast with polished aluminium.

Knock on Wood creates customised designs with distinction, style and exclusivity. At the same time, they are focused on functionality, quality and elegance.

They deliver furniture that is in perfect harmony with you and your space. Knock on Wood works with clients from the beginning to understand their unique requirements and ensure that not only their furniture but the experience is truly bespoke.

Contact www. knockonwood.co.in

Usha Cool Mist Ultrasonic humidifier is an ideal combination of design and functionality. It alleviates dry skin, chapped lips, allergies, cold, flu and other symptoms that are caused by dry air. Designed in a modern vase shape, Usha Cool Mist Ultrasonic humidifier is a stylish addition to any room.

With a water tank capacity of 4.5 liters, the innovative humidifier features eight variable mist output controls each with its own musical melody to choose from, just with the click of a button. The integrated rotating water disc filter traps germs and other harmful substance in the water tray, thereby emitting ultrafine and clean moisture into the air.

Through its silent operation, Usha Cool Mist Ultrasonic offers a comfortable and pleasurable experience. It is equipped with an auto-off function that switches off the humidifier when the water

tank is empty. The humidifier is also fitted with a demineralization cartridge that softens hard water ensuring longer machine life.

The Usha Ultrasonic humidifier comes at a price of INR 11990.

Contact www.usha.com

Postal Registration No. MCE/129/2014-16 RNI NO. MAHENG/2007/19853. WPP LICENSE NO. MR/TECH/WPP-266/East/2016. POSTED AT MUMBAI PATRIKA CHANNEL SORTING OFFICE, MUMBAI G.P.O. 400001. DATE OF PUBLICATION: 15th OF EVERY MONTH, dATE OF POSTING: 15th & 16th OF EVERY MONTH

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THE INSIDE TRACK April 2016

Spot Light

T

o hold a nail in place while hammering it, one uses your fingers. There seems to be no other choice, fingers are to be kept in harm’s way if the work is to be done.

Not anymore. Avihai Shurin, an Israel-based product and industrial designer has created a unique,

A Quirky Nail Guard This creative product is meant to keep your fingers safe as you hammer a nail. BY TASNEEM S. POCKETWALA

Designed by Avihai Shurin, Nail It holds the nail in a firm position while keeping your fingers safe

quirky product that is designed so that one’s fingers are kept out of harm’s way.

As the son of a carpenter himself, Shurin knows the significance of protecting the fingers. Titled ‘Nail It’, this product holds the nail in a firm position while keeping your fingers safe.

Designed for the company Monkey Business, Nail It is made of plastic and has varied holes to place the nail in to hold it firmly.

Shurin’s studio creatively designs products of everyday use, rendering them unique and innovatively functional. They combine elements of sharp and clear design, humour and an original perspective in their make. Nail It suits most nail sizes and is available in the dimensions 6.6x2.3x0.8cm.

Contact web: www.avihaishurin.com

Nail It is made of plastic and has varied holes to place the nail in to hold it firmly